Australian High Commission

New Zealand

High Commission address: 72-76 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington - Telephone: +64 (0)4 473 6411 - Fax: +64 (0)4 498 7135

Living in Australia

As of 26 February 2001 New Zealanders are still able to visit, work and live in Australia indefinitely. This is the date from which new arrangements for eligibility for most social security were put in place and linked to whether or not the individual New Zealand citizen has attained permanent resident status - be that from already living in Australia or some 'exception' or as the result of successfully applying for a permanent residence visa (but still having to reside in Australia for two years before becoming eligible for most social security).

For detailed information about these changes go to the dedicated external website at www.facs.gov.au. To read more about immigration and visas go to Visas and Migration on this site.

Changes have also been made to the Social Security Agreement covering Age Pension (Superannuation) and Disability Support Pension (Invalids Benefit) and some parenting payments & partner allowances. For information on the changes go to here.

Access to other services such as subsidised health care (Medicare) and Primary and Secondary School education services remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find out about available jobs in Australia?

There are many avenues to finding a job in Australia. The two main avenues for people in New Zealand are Australian newspapers and internet-based sites.

Positions Vacant usually appears in Saturday newspapers. Australian papers are available at the main Public libraries in Wellington and Auckland. Additionally, several newsagents in the larger New Zealand cities sell Australian newspapers, but if your local agent does not already, you may be able to order them.

There are hundreds of career and employment agencies on the internet. Some agencies have listings of available positions, others will take your CV and match you to available positions. Most major government agencies and corporate companies have their own websites with positions vacant / careers sections. One Australia-wide website called Australian Jobsearch has government positions vacant for all of Australia, across many diferent employment areas. A site that lists many of the job websites in Australia is Jobsearch. Another employment search engine is career jet.

For doctors wishing to work in Australia, more information is available at www.doctorconnect.gov.au.

Will my professional and/or trade qualifications be recognised in Australia?

The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) website has information on what steps to take to have overseas qualifications recognised in Australia.

Where can I find out differences between Australia and New Zealand in areas such as salaries, cost of living, health and education?

The best place to start when comparing salaries and living costs in either country is to do a broad internet or newspaper search. Look for salaries of comparative jobs in the job classifieds, and comparative housing costs in the housing classifieds. See our Media page or visit www.nla.gov.au/npapers/ both have links to Australian newspapers. Australian newspapers are also available at the Wellington and Auckland Public Libraries. Newspapers and supermarket internet sites can give an indication of grocery costs.

What things do I need to know or do once I arrive in Australia to settle?

The are a few basic tasks that all new migrants to Australia should endeavour to get completed as soon as practicable. Things like bank accounts, Medicare Cards, Tax File numbers etc. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship has general information on settling in for new migrants, as well as specific guides for each of the Australian states and territories.

As a New Zealand citizen, can I study at an Australian University?

New Zealand citizens can study at Australian tertiary institutions, and are eligible to pay domestic, not international fees. However, many New Zealand citizens will not be eligible for any kind of student loan to pay university fees, or be eligible for a student allowance to pay for living costs. Go to the Centrelink website for more information on student allowances, as well as the www.goingtouni.gov.au website for information on student loans.

What are the tax rates in Australia?

Tax rates in Australia can be found here at the Australian Tax Office website.

Can I obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) before I arrive in Australia?

The Australian Taxation Office has advised the Australian High Commission that Tax File Number applications for individuals intending to reside in Australia will not be processed unless the applicant has already arrived in Australia.

I paid tax while working in Australia, can I get a tax refund now that I am in New Zealand?

You may be eligible for a partial or full tax refund, depending on how much you earned while working in Australia. At the end of the Australian financial year (30th June). You can do your tax return online or request forms at the Australian Taxation Office e-Tax website. Altenatively you can contact the Austalian Tax Office by telephone on +61 2 6216 1111 during Australian office hours

Are New Zealand or Australian citizens able to access their superannuation if they have permanently departed Australia?

For more information regarding superannuation in Australia visit www.ato.gov.au/super.

I am retired and want to move to Australia. Can I get the pension in Australia?

Retired New Zealand citizens receiving the New Zealand Superannuation who wish to move to Australia, must consult with WINZ as part of the process. For information on the agreement in place between Australia and New Zealand on pensions, visit Family and Community Services.

The pension in Australia is both asset and means tested. For more information regarding the payment levels of pension in Australia, and what the asset and income thresholds are, go to http://www.centrelink.gov.au.